Car Safety – Tips For Spotting A Drunk Drive

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration here are some tips for spotting a drunk driver:

• Turning with a wide radius.
• Straddling the center of the road or lane marker.
• Appearing to be drunk (i.e., eye fixation, face close to windshield, drinking in the vehicle).
• Almost striking an object or other vehicle.
• Weaving or zigzagging across the road.
• Driving on other than a designated roadway.
• Swerving or abruptly turning away from a generally straight course.
• Turning abruptly or illegally.
• Driving slower than 10 mph below speed limit.
• Stopping without cause in a traffic lane.
• Stopping inappropriately (other than in lane).
• Following others too closely.
• Drifting or moving in a straight-line at a slight angle to the roadway.
• Erratic braking.
• Driving into opposing or crossing traffic.
• Signaling that is inconsistent with driving actions.
• Slow response to traffic signals (sudden stop, delayed start).
• Driving with headlights off.

If you spot a drunk driver here are tips for what to do from Mothers Against Drunk Driving:

Call the police or 911 or 1-800-28DRUNK. Once connected with a law enforcement agency, provide them with the following information:

• Tell them you wish to report a suspected drunk driver.
• Give the exact location (identify road and direction) of the vehicle.
• Give a complete description of the vehicle, such as make, model, color, license number, etc.
• Describe the manner in which the vehicle is being driven.

Here are some things you should not do if you spot a drunk driver:

• Do not attempt to stop the vehicle.
• Do not attempt to follow if the vehicle is exceeding the posted limit or if any other hazard may exist due to following the vehicle.
• Do not disregard any traffic signals in an attempt to keep the driver in view.
• Do not follow the drunk driver too closely because they may stop suddenly.
• Do not get so engrossed in following the drunk driver that you begin weaving in the road with the drunk driver.
• Do not attempt to detain the drunk driver if they stop.
• Do not attempt to act in the capacity of any police, fire or medical person unless you are properly trained and authorized to perform that function.
• Do not attempt to assist any law enforcement officer while they are apprehending a drunk driver unless requested.

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